Chelsea Magazine - February 2026

FEBRUARY 2026

Style Rooted in Friendship

Jessica Wilder, the heart behind Southern Roots

Boutique

PAGE 12

& Setting Sights on the New Season

Coach Lee Miller and the CHS boys soccer team

Local BIg Success Love

Misty and Jeff Webster share how Station 31 became a hometown favorite

PAGE 7 PAGE 22

On the Cover Staff

Matthew Allen Publisher 205-883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Shweta Bratina Graphic Designer

Leah Ingram Eagle Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com

Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com

Tony Bratina Cover Designer

Who We Are

Chelsea Magazine tells the stories of the people, places, businesses, and history of Chelsea and surrounding communities. The magazine is published monthly and is available mid-month at locations in Chelsea, Mt Laurel, Westover, Harpersville, Wilsonville, and Columbiana.

Subscriptions by mail are available for $40 per year. Visit jbmcmedia.com/magazine-subscriptions to subscribe, or email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com to request a form to pay by mail.

Does your business want to connect with Chelsea residents? Contact us: 205-883-1877, advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk!

All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

PROUD MEMBER

February is the month of love. While I’ll be the first to admit Valentine’s Day is a bit commercialized, I can’t help it…I love it anyway. I always have. I love showing appreciation for the people and places that make life sweeter, especially my forever Valentine, Todd (and my kids, too!)

That spirit of love for community is woven throughout this month’s issue of Chelsea Magazine.

We’re thrilled to feature Chelsea residents Jeff and Misty Webster, the owners of Station 31 Kitchen, who are continuing to invest their hearts—and talents—right here at home. With their third restaurant on the horizon eight miles down U.S. 280, their story is one of vision, hard work, and a genuine love for serving others.

Sports fans won’t want to miss our preview of the Chelsea High School boys soccer team, written by Loyd McIntosh. As the season approaches, excitement is building, and this story gives a look at the season ahead.

You’ll also find a business feature on Southern Roots Boutique, a local favorite that reflects the charm, style, and the entrepreneurial spirit of owner Jessica Wilder, who spreads love to everyone who comes through the door.

This February issue is, at its heart, about love—love for our town, our neighbors, and the stories that connect us all. I hope it inspires you to celebrate the season in your own way, whether that’s with chocolates, a special date night, or simply supporting local.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and thank you for being part of the Chelsea Magazine community.

Leah Eagle, Content Director

Partners in life and business

A Chelsea couple’s love for the community

PHOTO BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Jeff and Misty Webster married just one week after graduating from college and, more than two decades later, continue to thrive—both in their marriage and in their restaurant businesses.

Misty grew up in Chelsea, while Jeff is a transplant from Orlando, Florida. He moved to the area after graduating high school, after his father accepted a position with a Meadowbrook-based company. Though Jeff initially planned to return to Orlando, he never left.

The couple met through the restaurant industry while Misty was attending UAB. She worked at the same restaurant as Jeff’s younger brother, and the two became friends. Through that connection, she was introduced to Jeff. After their first meeting in 1998, they’ve been together ever since.

Gaining experience

At the time, Misty was pursuing her undergraduate degree with plans to earn a master’s in psychology and become a child psychologist. Those plans shifted after graduation.

“When I graduated, the jobs I interviewed for couldn’t come close to what I was making bartending,” Misty said. “I thought I’d bartend and go straight to graduate school.”

Before that could happen, Longhorn Steakhouse made her an offer she couldn’t refuse—a management position that kept her in the restaurant industry.

Meanwhile, Jeff was building his career in Birmingham’s fine dining scene. A member of the first graduating class at Culinard Culinary School, he worked as a sous chef at several well-known restaurants after the couple married in September 2002.

After their daughter, Jaylyn, was born in 2004, Misty returned to bartending so she could maintain flexibility and stay home with her, while Jeff transitioned into a corporate restaurant role with benefits. He became the general manager at the Ruby Tuesday location in Alabaster when it opened.

Jeff said his time in both fine dining and corporate restaurant management were instrumental for learning each side of the business.

“I learned how to be resourceful, the importance of checklists, and portion control,” he said.

Misty said that his experience—paired with her own background in restaurant management—proved essential when the couple opened their first restaurant, Main Street Tavern, in Montevallo in 2009.

“Corporate was never for me,” Jeff said. “I never fit that mold. There’s no creativity, and so much of the focus is on micromanaging.”

A piece of advice from a mentor has guided Jeff throughout his career.

“He told me, ‘Imperfect is perfect,’ and that has always stuck with me,” Jeff said. “Perfect is unattainable, but you can find perfection in what you do.”

The couple welcomed their second child, Jordan, in 2007. Not long after adjusting to life with two young children, Jeff transitioned into a management role at Jim ’N Nick’s in Trussville, later moving to the Inverness location.

Becoming business owners

A defining moment came when Jeff asked his supervisor for two consecutive weekends off—one to attend his daughter’s dance recital and the other to celebrate his son’s birthday.

“He told me to choose what was more important—my job or my family—and I decided I was done,” Jeff said. “I wasn’t going to miss my kids growing up.”

By that point, the Websters had already begun discussing the idea of opening their own restaurant and had managed to save some money. Jeff’s grandfather, Don, had long dreamed of owning a restaurant, and it was Jeff’s grandmother who ultimately encouraged the couple—and even provided the startup funds— to make it happen.

“We’ve never taken out a loan to this day, and we paid her back with interest,” Misty said.

Misty described the decision as a “leap of faith,” even calling her father in hopes he might talk Jeff out of it. Instead, he offered encouragement.

“He told us if we never tried, we’d never know,” she said.

Main Street Tavern opened in August 2009 and has since become a staple in Montevallo, celebrating 16 years in business.

“I never thought it would fail, but I never imagined it would be what it is today,” Jeff said. “It took a lot of grit and hard work. There was no ‘what if.’ This had to work.”

The early years required long hours and sacrifice.

“Some days I worked 20 hours,” Jeff said. “We both quit our other jobs, and we had incredible support from our families.”

That support came in many forms. Jeff’s mother worked at the restaurant— and still does—while Misty’s mother cared for their children whenever needed.

“Our babies were raised in the restaurant,” the couple said. “We had so much support around us to be able to do what we needed to do.”

Future plans

Ten years after Main Street Tavern opened, Station 31 Kitchen opened in Chelsea in May 2019 and will turn seven this year. The idea came when the

developers, one of whom Misty had known since middle school, who were building the Websters’ home in Chelsea Park mentioned they had purchased the land that was home of the former Chelsea Fire Station 31 and said that Chelsea needed a restaurant.

The plan came to life and the builders revamped the space into Station 31 Kitchen. While Main Street Kitchen occupies a former bus depot, their third restaurant will be a little less historic. Main Street Kitchen in Harpersville, a play on the name of their other two restaurants, will occupy a former Burger King space and open later this month.

The concept will be different from their other two restaurants, and will feature a buffet-style dining experience and be open for lunch seven days a week.

“It has 90 seats, so there’s not enough space for table service,” Jeff said. “Guests will grab a tray, walk through the line, pick their food, pay, and sit down. There’s a need there for a quick in-and-out place.”

The menu will feature similar items to Station 31 Kitchen, and will include hamburger steak, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, greens and more.

“Everything will be cooked daily and ready to go in larger batches,” Misty said. “It will be a simplistic version of what we do at Station 31 Kitchen.”

“We like to be involved in our restaurants,” Jeff said. “If you ever want to find me, go to [one of our] restaurants. We hope to establish a rapport with people where they go to both restaurants.”

A family atmosphere

Over the years, the Websters have built teams that feel more like family. Today, Jeff spends his afternoons overseeing Main Street Tavern, while Misty dedicates most of her time to Station 31 Kitchen.

For the Websters, the secret to their success comes down to one thing: customer service.

“We care about everything that happens in these four walls,” Jeff said. “I think that’s what sets us apart. You can’t make that connection in the corporate world. We’re concerned with our employees and their families. People let us be a part of their lives, and that’s what I love about this business.”

Misty added that their focus on employees’ lives outside of work is equally important.

“I take into account that if I want to be home with my kids, so do they,” she said. “I want every manager here to attend all their kids’ sporting events and school parties. I even came in to close on Halloween so they could go trick-ortreating with their kids. Little things like that go a long way.”

Another lesson Jeff learned early on is that the key to a successful business is the people, and money is a byproduct of that success.

The Websters run their restaurants like family. Many employees have been with them from the beginning, turnover is low, and most are college students who eventually graduate and move on.

“That’s not to say there’s no drama, but we deal with things head-on and immediately,” Misty said. “I may get the last say, but I want to hear their opinions before we make a decision. We have fantastic staff at both places. We don’t do this alone. We’ve been blessed with great people who show up every day and give us everything they’ve got. We’re very grateful for that.”

The Websters are about to step into a new phase of life: empty nesters. Their

son, Jordan, will graduate in May and head to college, while their daughter Jaylyn has already moved out and attends Samford University. Misty said she will likely spend more time at the restaurants since their kids will both be out of the house.

The couple say they have been blessed by God, and it’s important to them to pay it back. They sponsor all the schools in Chelsea and many in surrounding communities. From feeding sports teams, to hosting spaghetti dinner fundraisers, to providing box lunches, they do as much as they can as often as they can.

They offer their private dining room at Station 31 Kitchen for rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, graduation parties, the coaches radio show, and now a Mahjong Club.

“We want to make Chelsea as awesome as it can be,” Jeff said. “God has been so good to us and I think part of being good stewards is to give back.”

City & Community News

Valley Post ribbon cutting

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce invited Chelsea City officials to take part in the ribbon cutting for Valley Post cutting ceremony in December. Attendees heard from Mayor Cody Sumners along with the developers and Valley Post leadership. The four new restaurants opened in December: Lucy & Luca, Hero Diner, Rodney Scott’s BBQ and Little Donkey.

Santa visits the library

Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to the Chelsea Public Library on Dec. 13. The Friends of the Chelsea Library provided treats, treat bags, and a book sale, while Ms. Dylecia Davis shared her fabulous savory and sweet goodies.

Library donation

Representative Susan DuBose presented a $5,000 grant check to the Chelsea Public Library in December. She is pictured with Librarian Dana Polk and Chelsea Council Member Arthur Fisher Jr.

December City Council recap

At the December 16 council meeting, following a public hearing, the Chelsea City Council denied a rezoning request for the Trails of Double Oak residential development with a 3-2 vote. The proposed ordinance was submitted by Clayton Property Group to rezone the property at 9680 and 10450 Highway 11 from agricultural-residential to planned residential development. The plan was for a new subdivision (The Trails of Double Oak), which would include 244 single family homes on 114 acres.

COP recognition

On Dec. 4, members of the Chelsea Citizens Observer Patrol (COP) attended the Shelby County RSVP “2025 Winter Volunteer Recognition: An Americana Christmas!” Awards Brunch — and were honored with the Star Station Achievement Award for contributing over 5,000 volunteer hours. This award recognizes the dedication, service, and countless hours our COP team invests in keeping Chelsea safe, supported, and connected.

CHHS students visit city hall

On December 16, Chelsea High School students from one of the Special Education classes visited City Hall, along with their teachers led by Mrs. Amy Lovelace. In partnership with Shelby County Schools Special Services, United Ability and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, students toured City Hall and the Chelsea Historical Society & Museum, learning more about local government and community resources. The visit wrapped up with a special, hands-on experience with Chelsea Fire & Rescue Station 31, where students explored the fire truck and met some of our first responders. A representative from the city said they were thankful for to support these incredible students and educators and look forward to partnering with this group again—along with other groups from our four amazing schools.

Business News

SoCal Smoothie Company recently opened a second location in the Lee Branch Shopping Center at 270 Doug Baker Blvd, Suite 300. socalsmoothieco.com

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has permanently closed at 16383 U.S. 280 East.

Dos Tequilas has permanently closed at 10569 Old Hwy. 280.

Main Street Kitchen, owned by Jeff and Misty Webster (Station 31 Kitchen), will be opening later this month at 5482 U.S. 280, Harpersville.

More Than a Boutique

How Jessica Wilder Built Southern Roots on Style, Heart and Community

BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

When Jessica Wilder moved from Forsyth, Georgia, to Chelsea nearly two decades ago, she was searching for something familiar — a close-knit town with small-town charm and a sense of belonging. Nineteen years later, Wilder hasn’t just found her place in Chelsea; she’s thriving.

The Wilder family relocated to the area for her husband’s job, and Chelsea quickly felt like home. Three years ago, the Wilders settled in Wilsonville on Lay Lake, further cementing their roots near the community. Before stepping into retail ownership, Wilder worked as a substitute teacher, drawn to the chance to be involved locally.

That same desire to connect with people would eventually lead her to open Southern Roots Clothing & Gift Boutique — a business that has become as much about relationships as it is about fashion.

“I love retail. I love the clothing world in general, and owning my own boutique came out of a whim,” Wilder said.

That “whim” was backed by experience. Before opening Southern Roots in 2014, Wilder managed two other boutiques, soaking up knowledge and learning the ins and outs of the business.

“The rest is just trial by error,” she said. “I’m still learning things I had no idea about. It’s a new journey and adventure every single day.”

After hosting a few pop-up events, Wilder quickly took the leap into a brick-and-mortar storefront, first opening in the shopping center where 4th & Inches is currently located. In 2019, she moved Southern Roots to its current location with U.S. 280 frontage — a move that helped the boutique grow while still maintaining its personal feel.

Step inside Southern Roots, and it’s immediately clear this isn’t your average boutique. From polka dots to cougars adorning the walls, the store reflects Wilder’s personality — bold, eclectic and unapologetically different.

“People come in and have different reactions,” she said. “They say it’s odd, weird, eclectic, cute — all across the board. I take it all as compliments. I don’t want to be like everyone else. I like to be different.”

That philosophy extends to the way Wilder curates her merchandise. While she is particular about quality and fit, she makes between four and eight trips to the Atlanta Apparel Market each year and recently attended the Dallas Apparel Market. Rather than ordering blindly online, Wilder shops samples in person.

“I love to go and feel the fabrics, see the quality, talk to the designers and see the reps,” she said. “There are brands I know hands down that I can trust.”

Southern Roots carries a carefully selected mix of clothing lines, including MIOU MUSE, Skies Are Blue, and denim brands Vervet Denim, Flying Monkey Jeans and Lovervet Jeans.

“The quality is amazing,” Wilder said. “They change their styles and the fits change constantly.”

To keep things fresh, she orders only six of each item, ensuring customers see something new every time they walk through the door. And those customers span generations.

“Our youngest client is around 13, and for years I dressed a retired doctor who was in her late 80s,” Wilder said. “We dress women of all calibers. We take the approach that we can dress them appropriately.”

For Wilder, Southern Roots has never been just about the products. It’s about helping women feel confident, comfortable and seen.

“It’s not just about selling clothes, but helping someone figure out what to wear, how to wear it and put outfits together,” she said. “It’s also about building relationships. I’m not going to sell someone something just because I need a sale. They took time out of their day to come into the shop, and that’s already a win for me.”

Many regulars describe the boutique as their therapy — a place to escape, connect and leave feeling a little better than when they arrived.

“It warms my heart to know they can come in and walk out feeling a little bit better,” Wilder said.

While about 90 percent of the store is clothing, Southern Roots also offers gift items, including its signature candles — a customer favorite.

“They’re $9.75 and a great gift that I refuse to put over $10 unless I have to,” Wilder said. “The fragrances swap with the seasons, and we’ve turned them into room sprays, car freshies and detergents.”

Additional services include monogramming and an in-house seamstress who even alters clothing not purchased at the boutique.

Wilder currently employs three staff members — two high school students and one college

Southern Roots Clothing & Gift Boutique

16618 U.S. 280, Chelsea 205-678-3990

Monday–Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

student — who also model for the store alongside customers.

“I train them to do what I would do,” she said. “Some people are convinced they’re my kids, and I treat them like they are.”

Family is central to Wilder’s life. Her son, Carson, is 23, and she’s preparing for his wedding this September. She credits her faith and family as her foundation, alongside her love for her work.

That same heart carries over into her involvement in the Chelsea community. Southern Roots sup-

and donates door prizes and sponsorships to the local schools.

“If somebody needs help and I can do it, I want to help them,” Wilder said. “I’m happy to help and enjoy being able to give if I can.”

Though she’s been encouraged to open additional locations, Wilder is content with one store. Looking ahead, she plans to introduce new clothing and shoe lines and continue growing the boutique’s social media presence. Southern Roots will remain brick-and-mortar only — by design.

“I want to see my people,” she said. “I want that client to walk in and get a hug or a high five. The most rewarding part of my job is the people. I’m a people person. I love people. I love what I do, and I’m happy to tell anybody.”

CHELSEA SPIRIT

The annual Chelsea Christmas Parade took place Saturday, Dec. 20, featuring hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators along the parade route. One of the city’s largest events of the year, the parade once again brought the community together to celebrate the holiday season.

Be My Valentine

The original holiday was called Lupercalia. An ancient Roman festival. A real scream.

Picture this. The Roman town square was crowded. Everyone was buck naked. Even the old people, whose bodies were ravaged by gravity.

Young women would line up, men would swat them with the hides of sacrificed animals. This supposedly made them fertile. It goes without saying that beer was involved.

Women then put their names into a big jar. Whereupon each guy would select a name. Then, everyone would go off together and, um, read the Bible.

No. Wait. The Bible hadn’t been invented yet. So, I’m sure they were all doing something else. Maybe playing Twister.

Fast-forward about 300 years after the death of Jesus. Rome was a cesspool. If you were a Christian, you were—how do I put it?—screwed. Christians were mass hated. Why were they hated?

Politics, baby. Nothing arouses hate like politics.

So, you basically had two different groups in Rome. You had those who thought the emperor was a spiritual genius, sent by God—actually, they thought HE WAS A GOD. And you had the other crowd who listened to talk radio.

Christians didn’t fit into either group. They simply wouldn’t play the game. They met underground. They refused to worship Caesar. Not only because he was a tyrant, but because he made a crappy salad.

Why was this such a big deal? Because to Romans, religion was a social and public thing. Refusing to sacrifice a goat to a Roman god was like disrespecting the flag. The role of a priest was a public office. Not playing the politics game meant you were unpatriotic.

And this is why they started killing Christians. They had all kinds of ways to kill you.

They would wrap you in the carcass of an animal and let dogs attack you. They’d put you into barrels with protruding spikes and roll you down hills. They dipped you in tar and lit you on fire as a human torch. They crucified you upside down. And worse, they forced you to watch Live with Kelly and Mark.

Meantime, Rome was involved in a lot of war campaigns. Their military was running thin, so the emperor banned marriages. He couldn’t have young men choosing to stay home with their families when they needed to be in the army.

Which leads us to Saint Valentine.

An underground Christian priest named Valentine was marrying young lovers illegally. He conducted a lot of weddings. Even after they imprisoned him, he kept officiating mass weddings, right there in the jail.

This was EXTREMELY unpatriotic, converting soldiers into enemies of the state. So, they dragged Reverend Valentine before the prefect of Rome. Publicly, they beat Valentine to death with wooden bats. They cut off his head and held it up for the crowd. Rome cheered.

But before he died, the priest wrote a letter to a young Christian. It was the correspondence of an old man. A dying man. He signed his final letter, “Your Valentine.”

So anyway, I just wanted you to know that today isn’t only about chocolate.

Your Valentine, Sean

Dietrich

In The Kitchen with Loren Wood

Pistachio Shortbread and Morello Cherry Jam Cookies

Yield: Makes 18 sandwich cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 tablespoons pistachio butter

1/2 cup plus 2 tablesooons granulated sugar, divided

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup finely ground unsalted roasted pistachios

3 tablespoons Morello cherry jam

Instructions:

Tear two pieces of parchment to about 18-inches long; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat butter, pistachio butter, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and vanilla on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Turn mixer off. Add flour and pistachios and beat on low speed until all flour is absorbed. Remove mixture from bowl. Using a rolling pin, roll dough between two pieces of parchment to 1/4-inch thickness. Place on a cookie sheet and chill for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 365. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; set aside.

Using a 2-inch fluted round cutter, cut 36 cookies from dough, re-rolling scraps no more than twice. Place cookies on a prepared baking sheets, leaving 1-inch between each cookie. Using a 3/4-inch round cutter, cut centers out from 18 of the 36 cookies. You can keep the little centers and bake them off as well, or just throw the scraps away. Evenly sprinkle tops of cookies with centers removed with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.

Bake each pan separately for 12-14 minutes, or until edges of cookies are light golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool completely. Once cool, spread approximately 1/2 teaspoon Morello cherry jam onto bottoms of whole cookies; sandiwch together with remaining cookies with centers removed. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Pistachio and Morello cherry is a beloved flavor combination of mine all the way back from my days as a pastry chef making pistachio ice cream sundaes with Morello cherry topping. The mild pistachio flavor combined with the punch of the Morello cherry works beautifully together. I hope you will try this flavor combination and find it as delicious as I do.

Pistachio butter can be purchased at your local grocery store or Walmart. It can be found on the peanut butter aisle. Morello cherry jam is also available at your local groery store under such brands as Bonne Maman, Crofter’s or Tiptree.

This recipe works great with or without the ground pistachios. You can substitute any finely ground nut for the pistachios, and any jam or preserves that you desire can be substituted for the Morello cherry jam. I often use creamy speculose topping (such as Biscoff) or a chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella) as fillings.

Chelsea Library What to Read this Month

TOP PICKS FROM LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

2026 is already shaping up to be a standout year for readers, particularly fans of thrillers (me!) January alone delivered some exceptional new releases, with six of my favorite authors dropping highly anticipated books right out of the gate. If reading more books made it on your resolution list for the new year, I highly recommend reading everything these women have written.

“The First Time I Saw Him” by Laura Dave

Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.

But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again. Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their longawaited second chance.

“The

Storm” by Rachel Hawkins

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is known for its deadly hurricanes, the storm-proof Rosalie Inn, and Lo Bailey—the woman accused of killing her lover during Hurricane Marie in 1984. When a true-crime writer arrives to investigate the case, inn owner Geneva Corliss hopes the publicity will save her struggling hotel. But the writer doesn’t come alone—Lo Bailey returns with him, claiming she’s ready to clear her name. As Geneva grows closer to them both, she begins to wonder whether Lo is seeking justice…or revenge.

“Woman Down” by Colleen

Hoover

Petra Rose was once a bestselling author—until a viral backlash over a film adaptation left her branded a fraud and unable to write. With her savings nearly gone and career on the line, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin for one last chance at redemption. Then Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with unsettling news—and becomes her unexpected muse. As Petra’s creativity reignites, her fiction begins to mirror reality, blurring the line between inspiration and obsession. But when Saint takes his role in her life too far, Petra must confront the chaos she’s unleashed—before it costs her everything she’s trying to reclaim.

“Anatomy

of an Alibi” by Ashley Elston

Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can’t find proof because he tracks her every move.

Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she’s convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Living in a house full of criminals, Aubrey understands there’s more than one way to get to the truth—and she may have found the best way in. Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For 12 hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek.

“Dear Debbie” by Freida McFadden

Debbie Mullen is losing it. For years, she has compiled all of her best advice into her column, Dear Debbie, where the wives of New England come for sympathy and neighborly advice. Through her work, Debbie has heard from countless women who are ignored, belittled, or even abused by their husbands. And Debbie does her best to guide them in the right direction.

Or at least, she did.

These days, Debbie’s life seems to be spiraling out of control. She just lost her job. Something strange is happening with her teenage daughters. And her husband is keeping secrets, according to the tracking app she installed on his phone. Now, Debbie’s done being the bigger person. She’s done being reasonable and practical. It’s time to take her own advice. And now it’s time for payback against all the people in her life who deserve it the most.

Chelsea Library Calendar

Library Info 16623 U.S. 280, Chelsea, AL

Monday-Thurs: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-847-5750 | cityofchelsea.com/225/Library-Home

Mondays- Feb. 2,9, 16 and 23: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 12-14). 4-6 p.m.

Wednesdays- Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays- Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 15 and up). 4:45-6:45 p.m.

Thursdays- Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26: Musical Munchkins at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Fridays- Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27: Bring your own craft. 1 p.m.

Feb. 7: Chess Club. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Feb.9: Beyond Books. Sweet Claire’s Caboose Cookie Class. Cookie decorating class. $5 due at registration. Guests will be provided a cookie kit and instructions on how to decorate.

Feb. 10: Teen Book Club. 5 p.m.

Feb. 12: Book Club. 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 14: Friends of the Library Book Sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center.

Feb. 14 Lego Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 21: Pokemon trading club. 10 a.m.

Feb. 21: Chess Club. 11:30 a.m.

Feb 28: K.Z.T. Steam Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

match his found Anders

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale Pediatrics - Brook Highland. Call 205-995-1004 to schedule an appointment. Learn more at ChildrensAL.org

Home Improvement with Matt Weber

Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.

Alabama Home Tips for a Cozy Winter

Winter can get chilly in Alabama, but a few simple DIY solutions can help keep your home cozy and your power bills reasonable.

Program your thermostat. Upgrading your HVAC (heating-ventilation-air-conditioning) thermostat to a programmable model is good advice, yet many homeowners forget to set the thermostat’s schedule. Life can get busy during the holidays, and it can be easy to forget to make manual adjustments. A thermostat programmed to adjust the temperature when you’re at home, when you’re away, and when you’re sleeping will increase the system’s efficiency and lower energy bills.

Replacing your HVAC filter is common advice, but do you understand why it’s so important? When a dirty filter gets blanketed with dust and debris, the accumulation restricts airflow through the system. Have you ever tried to breathe through a blanket? Just as your lungs must work

harder to get adequate air, a dirty filter causes your HVAC system to work harder to warm the house to the temperature you have set. When the system works harder, it puts extra wear on the components and uses more energy, which raises your energy bill.

Seal all the gaps. Warm air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power outlets, recessed lights, and other gaps can be a big source of heat loss. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal up unwanted holes in your home. These adhesive products work well around non-moving areas such as pipe intrusions and window frames. For the parts that move, such as doors and windowpanes, seal gaps at the edges with weatherstripping, such as foam tape for windows or aluminum strips which include a linear

“Warm air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power outlets, recessed lights, and other gaps can be a big source of heat loss.”

bulb that compresses against a closed door. Here’s a DIY tip: Move a lit candle around the edges of closed doors and windows, and if you see the flame flicker, this might indicate that a draft needs to be sealed.

Consider adding insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homes in central Alabama have an insulation “R-value” of R-30 to R-60, based on the climate and type of HVAC system installed. “R-value” refers to the insulation’s ability to prevent heat from escaping. Different types of insulation have different R-values. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation power. For example, 1 inch of fiberglass batt has an R-value of approximately R-3, whereas 1 inch of spray foam may have an R-value of 5.5.

Measure your insulation, calculate it by type, and you may find that you need more. You can hire a contractor or add extra layers yourself. Home centers sometimes rent blowing machines, which homeowners can use to add loose-fill insulation to attics. If you add extra layers of rolls or batts over existing attic insulation, be sure to use “unfaced” rolls or batts. You can install an additional layer of unfaced insulation over the ceiling joists to reduce heat loss through the wood.

A few more simple tips: Thick curtains help to insulate windows at night, and the sun’s energy can heat your home during the day. Open your curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar gain.” This works particularly well if your home has stone or concrete floors which have a large thermal mass, meaning they soak up heat and release it slowly. Close your curtains at dusk to trap the heat. You can also force heat downward with a ceiling fan. Cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises, so reverse your ceiling fan’s setting to send the warm air downward into the room, raising the ambient temperature.

Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama. Find more at www. homeimprovementandrepairs.com.

Hornets Soccer Team Reloads For Another Deep Run in 2026

BY LOYD MCINTOSH

The Chelsea Boys soccer team is coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons as well as a historic 2025 campaign that saw the Hornets advance to their first-ever AHSAA Final Four. However, even though the team had the talent, leadership, and desire, the Hornets needed a whole lot of luck to even get to the postseason.

Prior to the 2025 season, Head Coach Lee Miller said the team could either win it all or fail to make the playoffs. Placed in Area 8 – a.k.a. The Group of Death – with other state powerhouses Briarwood, Pelham, and Spain Park, every match felt like a postseason game, with little margin for error and constant scoreboard watching. The Hornets’ fate came down to tiebreakers and goal differentials, creating a tense, unpredictable regular season.

That tension peaked in the second-to-last game of the regular season against Pelham, when Chelsea needed to avoid a multi-goal loss to stay alive. Trailing late, the Hornets scored with just six seconds remaining, a goal that didn’t change the outcome of the match but saved their season.

A week later, they got help from Briarwood, who beat Pelham by the exact margin required for Chelsea to make the playoffs. From there, Chelsea found its rhythm and surged through the playoffs, but the Hornets’ run came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Spanish Fort in the state semifinals, despite dominating throughout the game.

Chelsea took 16 shots compared to three by Spanish Fort; however, two of those shots were goals on free kicks, the second of which Lee maintains was questionable. While the season didn’t end the way it should have for Chelsea, the 2025 campaign was still remarkable, turning a near-miss into one of the most remarkable runs in program history.

“You know, you’ve got to be a little bit lucky and good, and we had some good bounces go our way until we didn’t,” said Miller with a chuckle as he reflects on last season. “This game is cruel and brutal. It’ll take you to the mountaintop, and then it’ll throw you into the valley.”

In 2026, Miller is hoping for another successful season without the heart attack-inducing stress. Once again, the Hornets will have to navigate the toughest area in Alabama. However, Miller believes this senior-heavy team has the potential to be playing well into May. He also says trials, tribulations, and achievements have made the guys battle-tested and, more importantly, hungry.

“We’re very excited about this group, and I feel really good about this season,” Miller said. “This

is actually the group of seniors that we’ve always pointed to. These are the guys who have a chance to do something really great. Of course, we thought we could do it last year with that group of seniors while these guys were juniors, and, of course, we came close. It’s hard to impress this on players, but I think they saw it last year — don’t ever give up and keep battling. I feel like they learned it’s never over until it’s over and fight to the bitter end, and so I think we’ll see that all season long with these guys.”

Along with the experienced seniors returning, Miller said they have depth at many key positions due to some injuries that forced backups into starting roles last year.

One of the team’s key players returning for his senior year is Luke Miller, Coach Miller’s son. As the team’s co-captain, Miller is entering his fifth year on the varsity squad after starting for the Hornets as an eighth grader. A free-kick specialist, Coach Miller says the offense will go through the capable 12th grader.

“He’ll most likely play the attacking-midfielder role, but he’s versatile. We can put him anywhere,” said Coach Miller, adding that Luke has seen action in almost every position on the field at some point during his high school career. “The only thing we won’t use him for is goalkeeper.”

Speaking of goalkeepers, Miller says they have two excellent netminders, Andrew Purkey and Madden

Brown, who will compete for the starting job. Both players got field time, subbing in for Brock Marlow in 2025. Both players are well over six feet and were impressive in limited action last season.

“Brown and Purkey will split time, and they know that they’re in a battle,” he said.

At striker, Miller is bullish on senior co-captain Parker Dean. Another senior who began playing varsity as an eighth-grader, Miller says Dean had a breakout season in 2025 and will be key to the team’s success this season.

“He’s going to be our main goal-scoring threat up top. He’s long and lanky, he can run, has great moves,” Miller said. “He’s a handful and tough to deal with.”

Miller is also excited about Cooper Baumbaugh, a senior forward who got his first significant minutes on varsity last year. Baumbaugh, Miller, and Dean have played together since they were youth players; however, it took a little longer for Baumbaugh to break through due to his smaller size. Baumbaugh went through a growth spurt in the summer of 2024 and was inserted into the starting lineup following some key injuries, taking full advantage of the opportunity.

“Last year, we thought (Baumbaugh) might come in off the bench and be a role player, but we had some injuries early in the season, and he stepped

in and absolutely set the world on fire,” Miller said. We feel like if Parker Dean or Luke or whoever is doing great and other teams try to key on those guys, then Cooper will burn them.”

The defense may be the team’s least-experienced area, despite several seniors Miller expects to make an impact on the back line. Miller explained that many of the upperclassmen on defense were either role players or played on the junior varsity squad as juniors, but said they will be ready when the season starts in February.

Anchoring the defense will be sophomore Sebastian Palfreeman, who started for the Hornets last year.

“He’s super-talented and very athletic,” Miller said.

Regardless of who is starting or on the field at any particular moment, Miller said this version of the Chelsea soccer team is experienced, deep, and talented, and he expects the Hornets to wreak havoc in 2026.

“We feel like we’re good enough across the board that it’s going to be very tough for anybody to key on any particular player because the other guys around are good enough to handle it,” he said.

The Chelsea Hornets will open the 2026 soccer season at home against Altamont on Thursday, February 12.

Neely Haynes, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and is the owner of Harbor Counseling, located at 1063 Narrows Way, Suite D., Birmingham, AL 35242. harborcounselingllc.com Counselor’s Corner

Why Sharing is Overrated

Sharing is overrated. And let me tell you why. We’ve taken a concept that can be healthy and turned it into a moral absolute that actually confuses kids and adults about boundaries. Somewhere along the way, “sharing is caring” became a blanket rule instead of a contextual skill. And honestly? That’s lazy.

We treat sharing like a character trait instead of what it actually is. A decision. A moment-by-moment choice that should come from internal regulation, not external pressure. When we force kids to share, especially something they’re actively using, we’re not teaching generosity. We’re teaching compliance. We’re teaching them that “no” doesn’t matter if someone else wants what they have badly enough. That’s not kindness. That’s boundary erosion dressed up as politeness. Real generosity only exists when the person giving actually has the option not to.

What is wild is that we don’t do this as adults, yet we demand this from children. If I’m drinking a coffee I paid for and someone demands a sip, no one scolds me for saying no. If I’m mid-project on my laptop and someone demands to borrow it, I don’t automatically hand it over. If I’m using my phone and someone grabs it out of my hands, we don’t call that community, we call that rude.

Kids are expected to hand over toys, snacks, art supplies, personal space, and emotional bandwidth on demand. And if they hesitate, we label them selfish. But the truth is, forced sharing breeds resentment, not empathy or kindness.

What actually happens when we force sharing is that the child feels overridden, the object becomes more emotionally charged, and usually there is some kind of drama. The kid who was forced to share didn’t

learn empathy; they learned powerlessness. The kid who received the toy didn’t learn patience; they learned entitlement. And then we act surprised when this dynamic shows up later as control issues, people-pleasing, or the whole “I deserve it” attitude without hard work or participation.

Waiting is a skill we have forgotten in the name of comfort. As adults, we do not want to feel uncomfortable with anyone’s hurt feelings. We would rather smooth things over than deal with boundaries. That avoidance shows up clearly in how we handle sharing.

What is worth teaching is turn-taking, waiting, and trust that needs will eventually be met. Those are regulation skills. “I’m using this right now. You can have it when I’m done.” That sentence teaches boundaries, time awareness, emotional tolerance, and respect for others. It also mirrors how the real-world works.

We spend a lot of time teaching kids about consent with bodies, as we should, but then completely ignore it when it comes to belongings, space, and play. Consent doesn’t start at puberty. Kids need to understand that no is a complete sentence, and we don’t need to worry about saving face as much as we need to learn how to interact with each other well. If all it takes to lose a friend is to say no, then they weren’t really a friend to begin with. The real goal isn’t sharing, it’s secure kids. Ironically, kids who are not forced to share tend to become far more generous over time. When their autonomy is respected, they don’t need to defend it. Safety creates generosity. Pressure kills it. Caring is saying no congruently and kindly; that may not be as catchy as “sharing is caring,” but is a heck of a lot more productive.

School News: Chelsea Park

Holiday singalong

CPES students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the last day before Christmas break with a schoolwide sing along led by Mrs. Ardovino. The custodians were recognized for their hard work, along with the fifth graders who participated in the yearbook cover contest. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Miss Presley Thach.

Hot wheels

Winter concert

Harmony Hornets put on an incredible winter performance led by music teacher, Mrs. Ardovino.

Special concert

Mrs. Ardovino and our 2nd Graders presented, A Bugz Christmas! We hope your holiday season is buzzing with joy!

School

CPR training

Thank you to the City of Chelsea’s Fire & Rescue Team for providing CPR training for some of our MERT (Medical Emergency Response Team) members. This training is required annually and provides the skills necessary to handle medical issues in emergency situations.

A holiday tradition

Peppermint Palace, one of the FOES PTO’s biggest events of the school year, was held in December. Many volunteers donated their time to help the students shop and also wrapped gifts.

Science grant

Congratulations to Mrs. JoBeth Robbins who received the “ABC’s of Computer Science Grant” for her project titled, “3D Makers in Motion: Dream It, Design It, Do It.” Mrs. Robbins will now be able to purchase a Flashforge 3D printer for her gifted resource classroom at Forest Oaks.

The Shelby County Schools Education Foundation matches proceeds from the sale of ABC’s of Computer Science and partners with author Ashlee Elliott, who serves as a technology resource teacher in Shelby County County Schools, to award this annual grant.

School News: Chelsea Middle

December students of the Month

8th grade: Bailey Russell

7th grade: Bentley Tomlin

6th grade: Avalynn Pearce

Christmas concert

The ChMS bands and choirs held their annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 15 at Asbury United Methodist Church. There were over 330 student musicians who performed, and over 1100 people in attendance. Instead of paying admission, guests were asked to bring a canned food item as their admission and all items were donated to the Asbury Food Pantry Over 800 pounds of food were collected.

Holiday event

FACS hosted a Mingle and Jingle on the last day of school before the holiday break.

A holiday treat

Chelsea Middle School 8th-grade FACS students combined creativity and culinary skills to spread holiday cheer this season. Students designed and printed festive holiday recipe towels and baked sugared cinnamon pecans, which were delivered to faculty and staff as a thoughtful holiday treat. This hands-on project showcased students’ design, food preparation, and presentation skills while celebrating the spirit of giving

Ornament workshop

8th Grade Art Students went on their annual field trip to Orbix Hot Glass to make Christmas ornaments.

School News: Chelsea High

Students receive certification

Thirty five Chelsea High School Healthcare Academy/Surgical Tech Program students passed the National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician exam, achieving an impressive 100% pass rate and earning their first set of healthcare credentials. They are now certified PCT’s and are prepared to start hands-on patient care clinical internship rotations at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group next semester. Their post-secondary educational interests include neonatal nursing, physical therapy, midwifery, pediatric physician, clinical psychology, nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and Army nursing.

Several CHHS groups served others and spread kindness during “Do Good December.”

School News: Shelby County

Approved School Calendars

The Shelby County Board of Education recently approved calendars for the 20262027 and 2027-2028 school years. The calendars had been recommended to the board by the district’s calendar committee, which looked at various options before voting to recommend versions that feature later start and end dates.

Memorial Day falls later in the month for both 2027 and 2028, allowing for the shift to a later start in August while still being done in May for the holiday. Both versions of the calendar feature a short break in October that will be given to both students and teachers.

Spring Break for the 2026-2027 calendar falls March 22-26, but will fall one week later for 2027-2028 during the week of March 27-31. There is also a one-day difference between the start of 2026 versus 2027, but both calendars feature 177 student days and 187 teacher days.

Events in and around Chelsea

February 3: Chelsea City Council Meeting. Pre-meeting at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Rd. cityofchelsea.com

February 17: Chelsea Council Meeting. Pre-meeting at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall 11611, Chelsea Rd. cityofchelsea.com

February 7: Mahjong and Mimosas with Jami. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 1661 Old Highway 280, Chelsea. A beginner friendly Mahjong 101 class that includes everything needed to play. Sip on wine, a mimosa, slushie, or beer. Reserve your spot with the link on their Facebook page. cat-n-bird.com

February 13: Love Is In The Air Cookie Class. 6:30 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 1661 Old Highway 280. A night of cookie decorating tips and techniques. No experience needed. Learn the basics of royal icing, importance of layering, adding textures and so much more. cat-n-bird.com

Feb. 27: Lettermen of the USA Gala. 6-10 p.m. The Club, 1 Robert Smith Drive, Birmingham. This signature fundraising event brings together athletes, veterans, community leaders and supporters to give back and help veterans in need. www.lotusa.org

February 28: Acoustic Two Jimmy Live. 1-4 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 1661 Old Highway 280, Chelsea. This is Acoustic Two Jimmy’s debut featuring Kazou on guitar and vocals and Andrew Brasfield on vocals and harmonica. cat-n-bird.com

Chelsea Community Center

Mondays: Beginner Pickleball 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mondays: Intermediate Pickleball 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday Friday: Advanced and High Trial Pickleball Sessions, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Wednesday and Friday: Beginner and Intermediate Pickleball. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pickleball Open Play. 6-9 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Senior Aerobics Class First class: 8:15-9 a.m.; Second class: 9-9:45 a.m. A 45-minute class that centers around ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). The focus is on functional exercises that keep us healthy, energetic, and independent. All levels and abilities are welcome. Bring small hand weights and a water bottle. Taught by Keri McIntire, a certified instructor specializing in senior fitness. Free.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Chair Aerobics. 10 a.m. Chair exercises to upbeat music and choreographed for fun movements and resistance training. Equipment is supplied. Free.

Thursdays: Senior Day Pot Luck and Games. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Dominos, Rummikub, and Rook card games. Fellowship and fun. Free to the public.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: REFIT Classes. Tuesday 4:15-5:15 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Thursday 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30-9:30 a.m. Combining positive music with powerful moves to work your body, mind, and soul. Email getrefitwithshelley@gmail.com for more information or visit the REFIT website to learn more. Classes are free.

Monday and Thursday: Rev + Flow. Mondays 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays 5:15-6:15 p.m. REV+FLOW strengthens bodies and sculpts muscles through targeted music-based movement and resistance training. Classes are free.

Mondays: Card Players. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chelsea Community Center. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning, this community cardplaying group welcomes all. Meet new friends, enjoy great games, and make lasting memories. Free.

Hardcore Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Class- Monday (adult ages 17+) 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Wednesday (adult ages 17+) 6-8 p.m.; Friday (youth ages 8-16) 4:30-6:30 p.m. Family atmosphere that improves coordination and increases coordination, agility, and flexibility. For more information contact 205-706-4728

First Monday: Spectrum Support of Chelsea. 6:30 p.m. Are you a mom navigating the journey of raising a child on the autism spectrum? No matter your child’s age, you’re not alone. Spectrum Support is a welcoming, supportive space for mothers to share experiences, resources and encouragement. For more information contact Jerica Boley at 205-305-3651

Wednesdays: Textile Club. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sewing, crocheting, embroidery and quilting. Bring your project and a sack lunch. Adults only.

Sundays: AA Meeting. 2:30- 3:30 p.m. Join the AA meeting for support, strength, and understanding. Together, we face the journey to recovery one day at a time. Take the first step—hope starts here. 205-677-2052 ext. 1

Tuesdays: Oyama Karate. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Area Events

February 1: The Wood Brothers. 8 p.m. Lyric Theater. The Wood Brothers have partnered with American Friends of Canadian Conservation so that $1 per ticket will support The Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC) in their efforts to conserve ecologically-rich wetlands and protect irreplaceable land from development. Every $1 donated will be matched by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with $2 so more endangered wetlands can be saved. lyricbham.com

February 13-15: University of Montevallo Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Homecoming at the University of Montevallo Alumni. Homecoming reunions and celebrations are held in conjunction with the beloved student tradition of College Night. montevallo.edu/homecoming-2026-schedule

February 14: Valentine with Vulcan. 6-8 p.m. Vulcan Park & Museum. Celebrate Valentine’s Day atop Red Mountain where you can enjoy a romantic night with food, drinks, and a breathtaking view. Members $70 per couple; non-members $85 per couple. visitvulcan.com/events

February 15: Winter Jam 2026. Legacy Arena at the BJCC.Winter Jam 2026 brings together some of the biggest names in Christian music, including: Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, Newsong, and speaker Zane Black, with a Pre-Jam Party featuring Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers, and Cliff Preston. No tickets required and only a $15 donation at the door.

February 21: Mardi Gras Gala Fundraiser 5:30 p.m. The Grande Hall at Old Mill Square, Columbiana. A fundraising event hosted by the federated Women’s Clubs of Columbiana. The event includes a catered dinner by The Fish Market Hoover, a live auction, and dancing to the tunes of the South & Boeuf Gras “The sound of New Orleans.” Proceeds raised from the event will support the Shelby County Arts Council. shelbycountyartscouncil.com

February 21: Blue Cross Kids’ Marathon. Spain Park High School. An innovative, endurance-building program for children in kindergarten through fifth grades with a mission to foster and develop active lifestyle habits in Alabama’s kids. For more information or to register, visit bcbsalkidsmarathon.com